Sayfutdinov signs up for Schlein’s big day

Russian racer Emil Sayfutdinov is the latest top speedway rider to sign up for King’s Lynn Stars ace Rory Schlein’s testimonial being held at the Norfolk Arena.

Sayfutdinov will come to Britain in a very rare appearance to join no fewer than five Grand Prix riders announced so far for the big day on Sunday, March 15.

Entitled Rory Schlein’s Boomerang Invitational, the Australian is celebrating his 15 years racing in British Speedway and has attracted an international field.

The 25-year-old Sayfutdinov recorded his best GP result in 2009 when he came third overall. He last competed in 2013 at that level and stated that financial issues were the reasons for him not competing in the 2014 Grand Prix series.

Schlein said: “I am very excited to have Emil coming to my meeting. He is no doubt one of the best and most exciting riders in the world.”

Along with the announce-ment of Sayfutdinov, Schlein confirmed that the voice of Australian speedway, Wade Aunger, will make a special trip over to the UK to present the Boomerang Invitational.

Aunger said: “I’m really excited about working with Rory on his event.

“I’ve never been to the UK and certainly never called any racing from there other than the SGP riders in Auckland and Sydney so it’s something new for me though it’s familiar of course because I watch the TV coverage over here whenever I can.”

World champion Chris Holder was one of the first names announced along with Lynn number one Niels-Kristian Iversen, Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor and Chris Harris. Former team mates Scott Nicholls, Simon Stead and Olly Allen will also play a part in Schlein’s big day.

As a bonus, Neil Vatcher has arranged for the GB Young Lions to do some 125cc/150cc demonstration races at the Boomerang Invitational.

More info can be seen on Rory’s website http://www.roryschlein.com/

The meeting will comprise 12 riders facing each other over 16 heats, with the winner being decided by a top four final. To help offset the costs involved in putting on this meeting, a variety of sponsorship packages are available.